In November 2023, the American Academy of Nursing (Academy) hosted a policy dialogue on “Nursing’s Responsibility to Our Patients and Our Profession: Countering the Attacks on Transgender and Gender-Diverse Health.” The Academy’s Expert Panel on LGBTQ+ Health convened this dialogue to discuss policy issues surrounding the ongoing onslaught on transgender and gender-diverse people’s health, which harms patients and communities and affects health care providers' ability to safely deliver care. Participants in this dialogue were able to hear from leading experts on the political and social factors that challenge the practice of this evidenced-based care, the impact on health equity, and nurses' and professional organizations' responsibility to influence policy that can mitigate these harms. 

• Gender-Affirming Care is Medically Necessary, Evidence-Based Health Care that Improves Patients' Health and Quality of Life 
  Gender-affirming care guidelines are grounded in robust evidence. When patients have access to this care, it improves their mental and physical well-being. Banning or restricting access to gender-affirming care harms patients’ health.
• Nurses Must be Allies, Advocates, and Activists in Support of Transgender and Gender-Diverse People
  Beyond standing beside a patient or community in support, nurse activists can work to change systems and structures to promote better health. 
• Nursing's Expertise is Needed to Combat Misinformation and Harmful Narratives Against Transgender and Gender-Diverse People
  As informed patient advocates, nurses are well-positioned to lead conversations that promote and protect access to gender-affirming care.
• Nurses Can be Powerful Agents for Societal Change Through Partnership and Collaboration
  Partnerships and coalitions with other health care organizations have the potential to shape health system policies and structural factors. 
• Emphasizing Shared Values—Freedom, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—Can Unify Efforts Against Divisive Legislation or Narratives
  The current political environment portrays a divisive, harmful narrative against transgender and gender-diverse individuals which does not truly reflect the sentiment of most Americans. By leading with personal examples and crafting a “story of us” that emphasizes common values, understanding can be fostered.

Guest Panelists

• Paula M. Neira, JD, MSN, RN, CEN, FAAN, Program Director of LGBTQ+ Equity and Education, Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity
• Linda Wesp, PhD, MSN, RN, FNP-C, APNP, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, School of Nursing - College of Health Professions & Sciences
• Dallas Ducar, MSN, RN, NP, CNL, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer, Transhealth
• Liam C. Hein, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor & Director of Faculty Pipeline and Academy Programs, University of South Carolina College of Nursing
   

Planning Committee

• Chair: Judith B. Cornelius, PhD, MS, RN, ANEF, FAAN
• Co-Chair: Elizabeth M. Saewyc, PhD, RN, FSAHM, FCAHS, FAAN, FCAN
• Dallas Ducar, MSN, RN, NP, CNL, FAAN 
• Paula M. Neira, JD, MSN, RN, CEN, FAAN 
• Jeff Day, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, CNEcl
• Linda Wesp, PhD, MSN, RN, FNP-C, APNP
• Erin Ziegler, PhD, APRN, CNE, FAAN

Nursing continuing professional development contact hours for this event are available for purchase online here.

The American Academy of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Contact hours are awarded following the completion of the event and the event evaluation.